Summer Lawn Care Tips: Choosing the Right Fertilizer in Hot Conditions

Your lawn may survive summer—but the goal is to thrive. When temperatures rise and rainfall decreases, proper feeding makes all the difference between scorched turf and a lush green carpet. The secret? Applying the right summer fertilizer based on heat, soil type, and season-specific grass needs.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to pick the perfect fertilizer from Supply Solutions LLC, time your applications for best results, and avoid common summer feeding mistakes.

Why Summer Lawns Struggle

Heat stress, drought, and high foot traffic take a toll on grass. Common summer lawn problems include:

• Yellowing or browning spots
• Thinning or patchy growth
• Slow recovery from mowing
• Weeds gaining ground

Even well-maintained lawns may enter dormancy during long hot stretches. Fertilization helps support deep roots, green-up, and turf resilience.

Key Nutrients for Summer Lawn Success

✔ Nitrogen – Encourages green color and shoot growth
✔ Potassium – Improves drought resistance and stress recovery
✔ Iron and Micronutrients – Enhance color without excessive top growth

Avoid high-phosphorus fertilizers unless a soil test shows deficiency. Overuse can lead to runoff and weed issues.

Top Summer Lawn Fertilizers to Use

• 12-6-6 Ornamental Blend – Great for color, thickness, and mild feeding
• 10-10-10 Liquid Fish Fertilizer – Boosts root health and soil microbes
• Calcium Nitrate (15.5-0-0) – Adds fast nitrogen without burn risk
• Ammonium Sulfate (21-0-0-24S) – Lowers pH and feeds efficiently in alkaline soils

Application Timing and Tips

1. Water First: Moist soil helps fertilizer absorb and prevents scorching
2. Early Morning or Late Evening: Avoid midday applications to reduce evaporation and stress
3. Light, Frequent Feedings: Apply every 3–4 weeks with diluted liquid fertilizers
4. Mow High: Taller grass shades soil and protects roots
5. Don’t Fertilize During Drought Dormancy: Wait for rain or irrigation to resume growth

Example Feeding Schedule for Summer Turf

Month	Fertilizer	Purpose
June	12-6-6 Liquid	Boost growth & color
July	Ammonium Sulfate	Add nitrogen + sulfur in alkaline soils
August	10-10-10 Fish Fertilizer	Sustain greening and improve drought defense

Watch for Warning Signs

Symptom	Likely Issue	Solution
Grass turning yellow	Nitrogen deficiency	Apply 12-6-6 or ammonium sulfate
Patchy browning	Heat/drought stress	Increase watering, avoid feeding until moist
Weeds increasing	Poor soil coverage or weak turf	Fertilize + overseed in fall

Real Results

A homeowner in a hot southern climate used 12-6-6 in June, followed by 10-10-10 fish fertilizer every three weeks. By late summer, their lawn had stayed green and dense, while neighbors’ lawns were struggling.

Wrap-Up: Keep Your Lawn Thriving in the Heat

Summer doesn’t have to mean lawn decline. The right fertilizer can:

• Improve resilience
• Prevent yellowing
• Support growth through heat and stress

Need help finding the perfect summer fertilizer for your soil and grass type? Supply Solutions LLC offers expert support and the exact formulas your lawn needs.

Let’s green up your summer turf—contact us today:

• Phone: 503-451-1622
• Email: sales@mysolutionssupply.com
• Contact Form
• Facebook Page

Smart feeding = stronger grass. Beat the heat with the right lawn care nutrition.